On September 27th fashion lovers from Burlington and Toronto gathered at One11, a tech hub, on Front Street, Toronto, to celebrate designer Joseph Tassoni’s latest collection. The fashion show was immense with over 140 looks walking down the runway. As if that wasn’t enough to draw in crowds, Tassoni also had celebrity models walking down the runway. These celebrities weren’t just walking to support Tassoni, but to support various charities and endeavours at the heart of Tassoni’s ethos.
Tassoni’s fashion show supports the creation of medical gown covers that give dignity to those using them. Created out of sustainable products, Tassoni created these medical gown covers to support those in the Mental Health and Addictions Unit at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. His fashion show highlighted the hospital and the creation of these medical gown covers as his charity partner.
Photo: George Pimentel
Mental health, has always been a priority to Tassoni. “A couple of colleagues of mine went through some very traumatic situations.” Tassoni adds that when he would visit his friends he always felt saddened by the reality of how further triggering mental health hospitals can be, and furthermore, how the lack of gown covers would make people feel like they’ve lost part of their armour. “It’s made of organic bamboo. However you identify whatever size you are, there’s one for you.” Announced that evening, Tassoni shared that more tea;th providers are interested in the medical gown covers for their clients and patients.
Celebrity models included Nick Bateman, his wife Maria, Miss Fiercalicious, Nicole Servinis, Greg Minot, Stella Acquisto, Eric Hall, Tim Bolen, Matt Carey and more.
Photo: George Pimentel
Tassoni shares with us that this fashion show is more than charity, and more than highlighting his brand, but also showcasing what Canadian fashion is capable of. “As a Canadian designer, we don’t have often any platforms here to really show to the public what ‘Made in Canada’ is, but also to an audience that really can help and understand, but also want to invest in us.” While Tassoni launched his brand in 2017, he has been working in fashion for 20 years and understands the importance of investment and economic success.
Though the event was held in Toronto, Tassoni made sure Burlington was celebrated through out with all food and beverage from Burlington stores.
Photo: George Pimentel
Nick Bateman told us participating in this fashion show was personal for him. The previous year it was held in Burlington where he is from, at the Royal Botanical Gardens where he proposed to Maria. This year, the Tassoni show got even more personal for Bateman. “My son is on the spectrum for autism. So it’s a sensitive subject for me, but again, it’s all about growth and learning. Any way that you can give back to a community that is dealing with mental health, whether it’s anxiety or autism or anything, it’s worth doing it.”
Photo: George Pimentel
To anyone looking to grow their brand Tassoni says it takes time. “The wonderful thing is that the people who do get my pieces continue to build their wardrobe.” He adds that this can lead to moments like this spectacular fashion show around family and community while growing his brand so it becomes a household name from Burlington, Toronto and beyond.
Hillary LeBlanc
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